Film Lens
I Signed the Petition is a short documentary directed by Mahdi Fleifel that runs for 11 minutes. The film centers on a phone call between Fleifel and a friend after he signed a petition advocating for a cultural boycott of Israel, which is part of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Through this conversation, the film presents the psychological and social pressures individuals experience when taking political stances, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Fleifel articulates his conflicting emotions and anxiety about the potential repercussions of his actions on both his personal and professional life. The film raises questions about the meaning of solidarity and its impact, examining the internal and external tensions faced by those who support justice causes. It concludes by emphasizing the complexities involved in balancing personal convictions with the fear of consequences.
Why Watch
- •Watch Mahdi Fleifel's personal take on political activism.
- •See the emotional impact of signing a political petition.
- •Find out about the BDS movement's effects on individuals.
Did You Know
•The film won the Best Short Documentary Award in 2018 at IDFA.
•It was nominated for the European Film Award for Best Short Film in 2018.
•The film has a runtime of 11 minutes.
•The production countries include Germany, Palestine, Switzerland, and the UK.
Perfect For
Political activismMiddle Eastern cinemaDocumentary enthusiasts